JOURNEYS DISPATCHES

SPECIAL OFFER

Book by April 30, 2015 and save $500 off per person on our 2015 departure! Space is limited, book today!

Expedition Exclusive: Enjoy beer and wine tastings with our compliments during the evening Recap and dinner—as a way to experience the full richness and diversity of the Pacific Northwest.

BRING THE KIDS: We believe sharing an expedition with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. So, take $500 off the double occupancy price for each person under 18.

Enjoy autumn colors and clear blue skies while exploring one of America’s great waterways along the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Follow the route of Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery expedition, which carved a pathway to the West, accompanied by our team of experts, including a historian, expedition leader, naturalist/geologist, and photo instructor. Enjoy active adventures featuring kayaks, expedition landing crafts, and biking as you focus on the region's natural history; visit sites such as the campsites used by the Corps of Discovery and the eclectic Maryhill Museum with its collection of Native American basketry and beadwork. And all along the way, you'll discover the region's culinary delights, aboard ship as we’re underway, and at a family farm and winery. Our expedition ship is perfectly suited to river travel and fosters an incredible spirit of shared adventure. You'll also pass through the series of eight locks that raise or lower the ship over 700 feet—a monumental triumph of engineering that deserves to be observed up close.

ItineraryDay 1 — Portland, Oregon, Embark
Board the ship and cruise the center of Portland on the Willamette River before reaching the Columbia River. (D)

Day 2 — Astoria
We begin our journey by navigating the Columbia to the mouth of the river at Astoria. At Fort Clatsop, where explorers hunkered down for the wet winter of 1805-1806, we walk through the full-scale reconstructed fort. Visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum, which chronicles the history of river navigation and this port town. In the afternoon, you can choose to visit Cape Disappointment or expedition landing craft and kayak in the Lewis and Clark Wildlife Refuge, conditions permitting. (B,L,D)

Day 3 — Columbia River Gorge/Hood River
This morning we begin our orientation to the Gorge. You’ll get a fresh perspective on such highlights as Bonneville Lock and Dam, Beacon Rock, and Multnomah Falls. Continue through the Gorge to Hood River, where you’ll enjoy fresh fruit from a family farm and taste award-winning wines at a local vineyard. (B,L,D)

Day 4 — The Dalles/Maryhill Museum, Oregon
Visit the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center to learn about the region’s natural history. Walk or take bicycles along the beautiful river trail. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Maryhill Museum and view its extensive and eclectic collection of baskets woven by Native Americans, Rodin sculptures, and other fascinating exhibits. (B,L,D)

Day 5 — Exploring the Palouse River, Washington
The still water of the Palouse River is the perfect mirror for the surrounding basalt cliffs as we set off on our expedition landing craft cruises and kayak adventures. Visit Palouse Falls where cascading waters plunge into the pool below. Afterwards, continue up the Snake River, enjoying a taste of local specialties. (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Clarkston
At Clarkston, we find ourselves at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers, more than 450 miles from the sea. Today, travel by comfortable jet boat up the Snake River into one of North America’s most scenic spots, spectacular Hells Canyon. Or you may opt to follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark along the Clearwater River, visiting several of their actual campsites. (B,L,D)